A Feeling From the Past

Nostalgic Echo is a less popular work of art created by Salvador Dali in 1935, which was about 76 years ago. Many versions I saw of the artwork were in black in white, but I came across a colored print.

Salvador was known for his extreme use of symbolism, as said on wahooart.com. This art was created using oils.

This work seems to have a sad feel to it. The clouds up above, but seemingly clear over the center of the town. The circle above the entryway; the high, solid walls. The church bell of some sort in the far distance. A man, or rather a shadow, sits in the entry way. Almost as if he is not in, or out, of the town. Like he could be stuck. He also appears to have a fishing pole, or a stick of some sort. It seems as if he would be traveling. The shadow archetype stands for one's unconscious mind, repressed ideas, weaknesses, or desires. Though this is typically negative. (psychology.about.com)

On the center ground is a girl in all white, jump roping. The white could be representing the innocence and pureness of the child. The child playing can also mean a fear of losing your connection with your childhood. (wikipedia.com) Around the corner, next to a girl, is also a shadow of a figure you cannot see. Someone hiding, looking over. Half of the town has a shadow over it, especially as you would get further in. There also appears to be a trash can or maybe a mailbox in the city, but it is difficult to tell. This could be a symbol for the mystery of the town; maybe he wasn't always 100% comfortable.

Looking into what the town may have been a representation of, I stumbled upon a building called “La barraca d’en Dali,” which translates into “The hut of Dali.” Information about it is vague, but it is interesting nonetheless. They both have an arched type of doorway, and that circle in the center. The cottage is located in Palamos, Spain, and Dali was also Spanish. Circles can be a symbol for wholeness or unity, for what Dali may feel when he is back "home." (docstoc.com)

The name of the art, Nostalgic Echo, proves for a longing of something familiar. I would believe for it to be his childhood. The little girl in all white, can also be a meaning for an inexperienced adult.

The tunnel, which has a triangular arch, not rounded; can represent love, or something unattainable. (astro.com) Perhaps Dali's childhood brings back love and longing to him, though he cannot relive the days. This artwork, to me, is about a person desperately missing their childhood, and their home.

You can find "La barraca d’en Dali here:

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5044/5299747595_6be40602da.jpg

The Beautiful Seine

Oscar-Claude Monet was the artist who painted this painting. Monet was born on November 14, 1840 in Paris, France. He was born to Claude –Adolphe Monet and Louise-Justine Aubrée Monet. Claude and Louise worked at their family-owned grocery. When he Oscar was five years old his family moved to a town near Le Havre, France. This is where Oscar attended art school. During this time, Oscar began selling small charcoal drawings. His mother supported his art, but his father did not. Claude wanted his son to go into the family business. Oscar tended to rebel. In 1856, Monet began taking classes from Eugine Boudin. Boudin specialized in painting outdoors. This is where Oscar’s strong passion for painting outdoor scenes came from. This passion is easily seen in many of his works. He enjoyed painting the views he saw instead of copying the famous works of the time. Monet was very particular with his lighting and shadows and would only paint if they were right. In 1870, Monet married a model named Camille Doncieux. In 1871, the Monet family moved to the village of Argenteuil which is located of the Seine. This is where Oscar enjoyed floating up and down in a boat with an easel painting. Oscar was one of the founders of the impressionist movement. In 1883, he and his family made their final move to Giveny, France. This is where Monet continued to paint for the rest of his life. He died from lung cancer on December 5, 1926 at the age of 86.





The name of the painting is "Banks of the Seine, Vetheuil". The Seine is a main river that flows within France. It has been the subject of numerous works of art. The painting in itself is very serene. It is the classic outcome of the artist archetype. The calm river could signify peace and tranquility or rebirth. What do you think? The river winds around a bend in the far distance. This represents the seeker and pioneer archetype. What do you think is around the bend? The archetype of the seer is also prevalent in this painting. Monet saw something so simple and ordinary and trapped it on canvas. Monet captured life using the nature archetype in this painting. The luscious wild flowers are in bloom everywhere. They are healthy and strong and consume the painting. It was almost as if Monet wanted to will you to slow down, even if just for a minute, and enjoy nature. What do you think this painting represents?

sources:http://www.lucidcafe.com/library/95nov/monet.html
http://www.artquotes.net/masters/monet-biography.htm
http://www.famouspainter.com/claude.htm

The Hay Wain by John Constable

John Constable was born in Suffolk, England on the day of June 11, 1776 and died in March of 1873. His painting style resembles that of an English Romantic painter; although, he is mainly know for painting landscapes. The Hay Wain is one of Constables most popular paintings, and is considered one of the greatest in Britain. The setting of this oil canvas painting takes place on the River Stour, in Suffolk. To the left, you can see a small cottage. This cottage was owned by a man named Willy Lot, who was a tenant farmer at the time. As you move across the painting to the foreground, you see the hay wain, which is just a type of horse-drawn cart. Across the river and into meadow, you are able to point out people working in the field.

This scene is incredibly peaceful and quiet, and I think that is what he wanted to portray. Country life is simple, and Constable knew this. He drew and painted the surroundings that were familiar to him. If you haven’t been to Suffolk, England lately, you might be wondering what it looks like in that area. Well, I think this painting gives you a pretty good idea of how beautiful it actually is. If I could sum up my thoughts on this painting in one word, it would be “serene.”

Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper

Considerably one of Leonardo da Vinci's most famous pieces, The Last Supper depicts the meal that Jesus shared with His disciples prior to His crucifixion. By request of Leonardo's patron, the mural was painted in the 15^th century in Milan, Italy as a centerpiece for a mausoleum that was being built for the Sforza family. While most of Leonardo's paintings portray a strong influence from the Renaissance style of art, Leonardo was influenced by various styles of art.

At the age of fourteen Leonardo began his career in art, working alongside notable artists from the time. His work was not limited to painting, though. Leonardo immersed himself in various mediums ranging from sculpting to metalworking that allowed him to use his vast knowledge of those mediums to create art in unique ways. In 1519 Leonardo died, leaving behind a legacy that so prominently intertwines itself in the modern world of art.

Being the religious nut that I am, I find it amazing how in one painting Leonardo was able to capture the entire essence of the Last Supper and the utter horror of the disciples when they find that amongst them is the man who will essentially crucify their Lord and Savior. On each one of the Apostle's faces you can clearly see the agony, yet Christ's peaceful expression remains unchanged. A mural of this size, having the detail that it does, truly makes it a magnificent piece of work.